Submissions for the Youth Filmmakers Showcase are OPEN!

Are you a filmmaker or aspiring filmmaker? This is your chance to show us what you can do with a camera, your imagination and maybe a little help from your friends. Submissions are open until January 29, 2018. Find out more!

The Youth Filmmakers Showcase (YFS) is a curated program which brings together the best film and video made by youth in grades five to twelve from across British Columbia. YFS is an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to screen their films in front of a live audience, and have an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other filmmakers and professionals.

Past Activities

August 18-20, 2017

During this three-day workshop, participants learned to conceive, plan, shoot, and edit their own film, mentored by award-winning filmmakers Jeff Chiba Stearns and Patrick Shannon, and assisted by emerging filmmaker Kellen Jackson. Check out the films!

August 25-27, 2017

During this three-day workshop, participants learned to conceive, plan, shoot, and edit their own film, mentored by award-winning filmmakers Jeff Chiba Stearns and Arun Fryer, and assisted by emerging filmmaker Kellen Jackson. Check out the films!

R2R 2017: Award Winners

Youth Jury Awards

Most Innovative Short Film
(ages 9+): Stems
Most Innovative Short Film
(ages 13+): Totems
Most Inspirational Short Film
(ages 9+): Fulfilament
Most Inspirational Short Film
(ages 13+): Fears
National Film Board of Canada Award for Best Animated Short:I Am Here

Adult Jury Awards

Best Picture: Heidi
Edith Lando Peace Prize for the film that best utilizes the power of cinema to further the goal of social justice and peace:Play Your Gender

Upcoming Activities

If you love watching movies, then we need you!

The Youth Jury Program aims to foster a deeper appreciation for independent film from Canada and around the globe. This innovative program begins in January with a free workshop in film criticism. A challenging and interactive experience, students sharpen their critical eye, gain appreciation for different genres, and learn what makes a film great.

In February, two youth juries of up to twenty-five young people are formed to evaluate short films in their age category and to choose the award winners. During the Festival, these juries attend the feature films in competition and choose the award winners. Click here to find out more!

Ongoing Activities

A day-long workshop in film animation!

Animating History is an innovative hands-on workshop that connects media literacy and storytelling through the creative exploration of BC history. During the workshop, youth create a 1-2 minute animated film retelling a piece of local history. Students work cooperatively with a professional animator and museum interpreter to experience BC history and the stop-motion animation process.

This project-based learning experience integrates all areas of the curriculum, helping students to develop skills in such areas as teamwork, communication, and cooperation. Find out more!

Reel 2 Real acknowledges that our festival takes place on the unceded and traditional territories of the Coast Salish People. We are grateful to the Musqueam Indian Band (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), Tsleil-Waututh Nation (mi ce:p kʷətxʷiləm), and the Squamish People (Skwxwú7mesh), who welcome us and are the stewards of this land.